AMONG the many moving tributes I have read in The National after Alex Salmond’s passing, Martin Hannan’s was outstanding because of the mention of Salmond’s belief that if people here were truly cognizant of Scotland’s history, “they would have no qualms about voting for independence”.

This reminded me of a recent “conversation” I had with an intelligent computer bot called chatGPT where I asked what were the best legal and non-violent ways to increase support for Scottish independence and concretely reclaim our sovereignty. I was told the best way to achieve this was through a comprehensive education campaign where we ingrain Scottish history in our everyday lives and crucially have plenty of visual reminders.

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Another interesting and also fundamental aspect that was mentioned was to shift the tone from separating from the UK and focus the messaging on our desire to join the global community as equals.

For many, including myself, independence cannot come soon enough but if enough of us persist with an effective strategy we will overcome. On July 1, 1999 Winnie Ewing declared, “The Scottish Parliament, which adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened.” Who will it be to declare something similar when Scotland rejoins the global community of sovereign nation-states as an equal?

Miguel Giovanni Canella Viegas
Dundee

I HAVE now, reluctantly, accepted the chances of seeing Scotland becoming independent in my lifetime are increasingly unlikely. As it stands, the main stumbling block appears to be the annoyingly stubborn independence supporters, at both party and individual levels. Instead of working together, they are willing to give up everything to pursue agendas that have nothing to do with gaining the ancient nation of Scotland independence.

It doesn’t matter a jot who is right, and who is wrong, these things will still be there after independence, but if everyone persists in their vendettas – because that’s what they are – then independence won’t happen until we’re all long gone.

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The young voters will be the ones who will hopefully carry the flag of independence but that may be 30 years down the road. Think of the damage to your country that Westminster will have inflicted on Scotland in that time. Many of us won’t see that day unless we can get our act together.

You may or may not agree, but will you be able to say to your children and grandchildren that you did everything you possibly could, or tell them you put your country’s independence second to your vendetta?

Bill Golden
Forfar

MANY people thought that a shallow clown like Boris Johnson would not become Prime Minister and many people still think that a more artful joker like Nigel Farage could not become Prime Minister.

Understandably, those who wish to deny the people of Scotland the right to self-determination will claim this will not happen, seemingly blissfully unaware that to a large extent Mr Farage is already directing the “United Kingdom”, including Scotland. Not only has Brexit been achieved, but a “Hard Brexit” at that. The British Establishment, even with a Labour government in power at Westminster (albeit with only the support of 20% of the electorate), will continue to obscenely accumulate even greater wealth while increasing numbers will sleep on our streets and rely on food banks to survive.

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Mr Farage’s influence on the Conservative and Unionist Party is already evident as both remaining leadership contenders, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, are on the right wing of that party, and that influence will continue to grow going forward with increasing pressure to withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights.

In opting to reject constitutional reform, whether independence or possibly federalism, those who argue against self-determination and a “civic nationalism” are in effect promoting a Brexit Britain that is increasingly likely to be led by a devious charlatan with sinister intentions reflecting a lack of belief in common humanity. This is not the future most Scots wish for their children.

Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian

IT is most unfortunate that your columnist Ellie Gomersall is unable to find much difference between Harris and Trump – possibly her grasp of political realities in the USA is slight (Harris shows the same disdain for core support as Labour have, Oct 29).

Kamala Harris has to deal with the political situation as it is if she wishes to be elected. Much of the American public is of the opinion that Israel is wonderful, the only real democracy in the Middle East and is not overly concerned about the killing of some Arabs. The American belief is that Israel is their staunch ally, which is totally untrue, of course. Israel is no-one’s ally; Israel uses gullible politicians in the West. If Harris wishes to be elected, she cannot press that particular button too hard.

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As regards Gomersall’s take on migration and the southern border, there is absolutely not the slightest indication that her approach in any way approaches that of Trump. A remark is highlighted regarding her referring to Trump being unable to build more wall. I have seen the context of that speech; it was mockery of Trump’s blowhard claims.

I wonder if your columnist would prefer a deranged fascist in the White House or a person who shows little signs of fascism, is pragmatic, and has all her marbles. I have watched many of the Trump and Harris offerings; there is no comparison between the idiotic ramblings of an oaf and those of Kamala Harris.

R Mill Irving
Gifford, East Lothian